This past week from Tuesday to Thursday, my St. Bernard’s Seminary classmates from several dioceses – Syracuse, Hartford, Ct., Rockville Centre, Providence, RI, Jacksonville, FL, along with my classmates from Rochester—got together for our 50th year reunion. It was a joy re-connecting with some classmates whom I have not seen for many, many years. What did we share and talk about? The conversation did not revolve around the theology of the priesthood. We did not focus on the important truths of our Catholic Catechism. Rather, we talked about the people who have touched us and whom we have touched -- the joys and the challenges of sharing our lives with so many people. Our priestly ministry has been a love story of the many people we have shared the merciful love of Jesus with. Priestly ministry is about relationships – our relationships with God and with one another.
For some time now in the world of Great Britain, the headlines have been abuzz: Prince Harry will wed Megan Markle at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19th. All the pageantry and pomp and splendor of this great spectacle are certain to be watched by millions. There will be a horse-drawn, gold-lined carriage, the beauty of Megan’s wedding gown, the historic beauty of the Windsor Castle, and the inspiration of the ancient liturgy. All of it will be scrutinized in a riveting fashion by people from every walk of life. Why? Because it’s a love story. We can’t get enough of love stories.